Little River Canyon National Preserve
Designation: National Preserve
Location: Alabama
📘 Park Overview
Little River is unique because it flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. Forested uplands, waterfalls, canyon rims and bluffs, pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs offer settings for a variety of recreational activities. Natural resources and cultural heritage come together to tell the story of the Preserve, a special place in the Southern Appalachians.
🌤 Weather Information
The weather in Fort Payne, Alabama is mild. The average temperature in the winter is in the 50's. The average summer temperature is in the high 80's with high humidity. We receive about 55 inches of rain each year. Snowfall varies, but only lasts a few days per event.
🚗 Directions
Little River Canyon National Preserve follows along the Little River and covers approximately 40 miles from the northeast corner to the southwest corner. The easiest way to access the park is by Alabama Highway 35 about 10 miles east out of Fort Payne, Alabama. Interstate 59 is the closest interstate.
Images
Little River Canyon in the Fall
Credit: NPS Photo
Little River Falls in the Spring
Credit: NPS Photo
Little River Falls in the Fall
Credit: NPS Photo
Scenic Drive (AL Hwy 176) in the Fall
Credit: NPS Photo
Take a hike along the DeSoto Scout Trail
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Tuesday, Mar 3
Sunny
High: 66.4°F | Low: 47.5°F
Humidity: 76%
Wind: 13.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.1
Sunrise: 06:09 AM
Sunset: 05:41 PM
Moon: Full Moon (100%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 51.5°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Mar 4
Partly Cloudy
High: 66.4°F | Low: 52.9°F
Humidity: 88%
Wind: 7.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.9
Sunrise: 06:08 AM
Sunset: 05:42 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (100%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 56.4°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Mar 5
Overcast
High: 68.2°F | Low: 54.7°F
Humidity: 91%
Wind: 11.6 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0
Sunrise: 06:07 AM
Sunset: 05:43 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (97%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 58.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
An Overview of Lookout Mountain and Little River
Date: Jan 10, 2026 12:00am to Jan 10, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Animals of Alabama
Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Jan 17, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
The Trail of Tears
Date: Jan 24, 2026 12:00am to Jan 24, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
An Overview of Lookout Mountain and Little River
Date: Feb 14, 2026 12:00am to Feb 14, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Animals of Alabama
Date: Feb 21, 2026 12:00am to Feb 21, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
The Trail of Tears
Date: Feb 28, 2026 12:00am to Feb 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
4322 Little River Trail NE Ste 100
Fort Payne, AL 35967
🏤 Mailing Address:
4322 Little River Trail NE Ste 100
Fort Payne, AL 35967
📞 Voice Phone: 2568459605
📞 Fax Phone: 2569979129
✉️ Email: liri_information@nps.gov